These “GPS2 jamming” tests demonstrated both GMLRS rocket performance while in a GPS jamming environment at long range, as well as the functionality of the warhead using the Point Detonating fuze within the jamming environment. All tests objectives were achieved.

“Throughout the process to achieve these milestones, the highest levels in the Department of the Army, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff have recognized the outstanding success of the GMLRS program,” said Lt. Col. Mark Pincoski, U.S. Army product manager, Precision Guided Missiles and Rockets. “I wish to express my gratitude to the entire GMLRS team, without whose hard work and expertise, these milestones may have never been achieved. The efforts of the team are particularly significant due to the urgent need for the GMLRS Unitary Rocket in combating our nation’s foes, and the tremendous success it has demonstrated in combat.”

The two missions were fired from the HIMARS launcher using one rocket per mission after the launch pod container was conditioned to the “hot” temperature extreme. The first rocket employed the GMLRS “vertical trajectory shaping” software that allows the rocket to impact the target vertically, while the second incorporated the “nominal trajectory shaping” software, which allows for the standard ballistic trajectory flight pattern. Both rockets flew their expected trajectories and functioned as designed in the target area.

“The GMLRS Unitary rocket continues to demonstrate incredible capabilities which our Warfighters urgently need,” said Al Duchesne, director of Missile and Rocket Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “These tests validated a very tough requirement. This means that GMLRS Unitary can be effectively and productively employed every time – when low collateral damage is a concern and in close proximity to friendly troops – given its surgical precision.”

The tests further qualified the effects of the unitary warhead on the target following detonation, and continued to demonstrate that the Follow-On configuration hardware and software design complies with the program objectives and requirements.